With no sign of relief at the pump, it should come as
no surprise that an increased number of motorcycles and
scooters have been seen cruising around Eastern Michigan
University's campus.
For students, staff and faculty who have a relatively
short commute, 20 miles or less, they should definitely
consider purchasing a scooter, said Randy Mascharka, University
photographer.
 |
EASY RIDERS: (above, from left) University
photographer Randy Mascharka and Karen Simpkins,
interim associate vice president for human resources,
pose with their scooters in the McKenny visitors
parking lot. The two, like some other EMU employees,
are using alternate modes of transportation to get
to
work and cut down on gas expenses. |
"The freeway is difficult on a scooter because of the
wind and turbulence but, if you live nearby, it's a fun,
quick way of getting to work," said Mascharka.
Scooters are ideal for college students to drive around
town, said Mike Friedlander, the owner of the local scooter
store, "Scoot Around Town," located on Michigan Avenue
in Ypsilanti. The 120-percent increase in sales he experienced
within the past year prompted him to open a second store
in Birmingham.
Friedlander has scooters that range in price from $2,000
to $9,000 that average between 70-90 miles per gallon.
With that amount of savings, he has been selling scooters
to all age groups.
"A large number of customers are in their mid-20s to early
30s, but there's another bump between 35-55," said Friedlander. "Although
it is a little unusual to have a 75-year-old customer,
I had an elderly woman (come in the store) today."
In addition to only using a gallon of gasoline for his
weekly commute, Glenn Walker, an EMU biology professor,
rides a motorcycle to experience "an interesting blend
of emotions...excitement, relaxation, a feeling of freedom
and that occasional moment of terror when a motorist does
the unexpected."
Karen Simpkins, interim associate vice president for human
resources, has filled up her scooter's gas tank only once
this summer and it cost $10. After needing to fill her
car twice per week at $50 per fill-up, Simpkins now only
uses her car when necessary. She thinks that anyone who
feels comfortable driving a scooter should do so.
More walkers and bicycles also have been spotted around
campus. Marion Laskowski, senior secretary for the Office
of Marketing and Communications, walks to work. Consequently,
a tank of gas lasts her three weeks, she said.
A license is required to operate a motorcycle or scooter
larger than 50cc. Washtenaw Community College offers a
motorcycle safety course. For more information about the
training, testing and/or licensing involved before purchasing,
go to http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1627_46351_46352---,00.html.
